Communities across North Texas will celebrate the Independence Day holiday with a series of events beginning this weekend and running through the July 4 holiday itself.

Fireworks shows, community parades, cookouts and live music are among the family-friendly events dotting the calendar in the coming days.

Below are several area events to help you plan your holiday and have a safe and happy Fourth of July.

Remember to post your best photos of these events to neighborsgo.com for a chance to appear in an upcoming edition.

MONDAY, JULY 1

CARROLLTON

FOURTH OF JULY LUNCHEON — 1 p.m. at Carrollton Senior Center, 1720 Keller Springs Road. in Carrollton. Join us for a free patriotic concert performed by Dallas New Horizons Band. Be sure to wear your red, white and blue. This will be an old-fashioned celebration for all ages with popcorn, lemonade and snacks. Hot dogs will be served after the band performs. For more information, call 972-466-4850.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 3

IRVING

INDEPENDENCE DAY FIREWORKS SHOW — 6 to 11 p.m. at Irving Convention Center, 500 W. Las Colinas Blvd. Celebrate with an evening of fun, games, music and fireworks in Las Colinas. The Family Fun Zone will feature bounce houses, a rock climbing wall and more. There will be stage performances by The Kenny Chavez Combo, Irving Symphony Orchestra and MAXX. A food court will be available. Professionally choreographed fireworks begin at 9:40 p.m. Visit irvingevents.org.

ADDISON

KABOOM TOWN — 5 p.m. to midnight at Addison Circle Park, 4950 Addison Circle Dr. The free 30-minute fireworks show is choreographed to music and live radio simulcast on 100.3 JACK FM. There will be food vendors, live music on the Dos Equis Stage and the Addison Airport Air Show, featuring the Cavanaugh Flight Museum Warbird Floyover. For more information, visit addisontexas.net/events/kaboomtown.

FARMERS BRANCH

INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION — 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Farmers Branch Historical Park, 2450 Farmers Branch Lane in Dallas. Celebrate Independence Day with the Farmers Branch community. The celebration includes children’s activities, live music from Groove Night, concessions, tours of historical structures and a finale fireworks show. Fireworks will starts at 9:30 p.m. Parking is located at Metro Square Business Park, 12300 Ford Rd. Free shuttles to and from parking and entrance will be provided. For more information, call 972-919-2620 or visit fbspecialevents.com.

THURSDAY, JULY 4

IRVING

FOURTH OF JULY PARADE — 9 a.m. at Irving Heritage District. The parade route starts at the corner of Sowers Road and Irving Boulevard, and ends at O’Connor Road and Irving Boulevard. Numerous floats and displays of community spirit will travel through the streets of downtown Irving. The parade’s theme is Celebrating America with a 50 State Salute. The parade is free. Visit irvingevents.org.

POST-PARADE CELEBRATION — Immediately following the Fourth of July Parade in downtown Irving at Heritage Park, 217 Main St. Enjoy a free watermelon reception and concert by award-winning band The Texas Gypsies.

CASTER CABIN AND DEPOT TOURS — 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., Main and Second streets . The Caster Cabin and depot at Heritage Park will be open for tours by Irving Heritage Society. Admission is free. The cabin was built in1887 by Henry Caster and his son, Edmond. It contains original furniture, including a rocker made by Caster, the Casters’ wedding bed, a 1914 quilt and family Bible. The depot was built about1896 and served the small east Texas towns of Clinton and Nevada. Visit irvingheritage.com.

COPPELL

THE SPIRIT OF COPPELL PARADE — 9 a.m. St. Ann’s Parish, 180 Samuel Blvd. The parade will travel from St. Ann’s Parish, north on Samuel Boulevard, west on Parkway Boulevard and end at Town Center, 255 Parkway Blvd. For more information, call 972-462-5100 or visit coppelltx.com.

FLOWER MOUND

CHILDREN’S PARADE — 10 a.m. at the corner of Eaton and Timber Creek Road in Flower Mound. Decorated bikes, wagons and strollers will make a brief walk to the Lewisville ISD Administration Building, 1800 Timber Creek Road, were there will be free hot dogs, drinks and children’s activities. The parade is open to anyone interested in marching. Visit bit.ly/14ObSYH for more information.

INDEPENDENCE FEST 2013 — 5 p.m. at Bakersfield Park, 1201 Duncan Lane in Flower Mound. The free festival features a vintage car show, a local business showcase and food and drinks, as well as kids’ activities like bounce houses and face painting. A slate of musical performances will be capped off at 8:15 p.m. by recording artist Rick Springfield, known for his No. 1 hit “Jessie’s Girl.” Fireworks will follow about 9:45 p.m. Visit flower-mound.com/festival for more information.

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